[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING IDAHO SEWING FOR SPORTS

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of 
the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month 
I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by 
highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. 
Today I am pleased to honor Idaho Sewing for Sports in Grangeville as 
the Idaho Small Business of the month for November 2020.
  Idaho Sewing for Sports--ISS--is a manufacturer of custom padding and 
coverings for ski resorts and summer recreation destinations throughout 
the globe. In 1986, founders Gail and Will Williams returned from a 
business trip to Canada and found themselves in Grangeville, ID. It was 
during this stop they were captivated by its natural beauty, lifestyle, 
and community. As a result of this experience, the Williams decided to 
relocate their family and business to Grangeville, where it has 
operated for nearly 25 years.
  ISS has developed a reputation for producing high-quality custom 
coverings for lift seats, wall and tower paddings, zip lines, and other 
resort infrastructure. Since its relocation to Idaho, ISS has grown to 
be one of the largest custom padding manufacturers in America. While 
the Williams have since retired from the business' day-to-day 
operations, their son Gunther and his wife Joy now manage the business.
  In addition to operating a successful business, ISS has been integral 
to aiding the community's COVID-19 relief efforts. As a board member of 
the Syringa Hospital in Grangeville, Gunther Williams learned that the 
hospital was experiencing a shortage of gowns and masks. In response, 
Gunther jumped into action and directed his staff to coordinate with 
the hospital to develop medical grade gowns and masks. Syringa Hospital 
supplied ISS with the patterns it needed to produce the gowns and 
provided surgical blankets to produce masks. Through their heroic 
collaboration, ISS produced thousands of gowns and masks at cost that 
were distributed to hospitals and first responders throughout the 
country.
  Congratulations to Gunther, Joy, and all of the hard-working 
employees of Idaho Sewing for Sports on being selected as the Idaho 
Small Business of the Month for November 2020. Your commitment to 
service and community is humbling, and you make our great State proud. 
I look forward to your continued growth and success.

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